Are you thinking about training your dog or puppy? Proper training and socialization are essential to fulfilling your dog's basic needs. Training your dog to sit, stay, come, go to their crate, and go potty outside should be a priority. You may be surprised to learn that training your dog is something you can do yourself, even as a beginner.
Initially, dog training may seem overwhelming, especially if you are a first-time dog owner. However, if you approach it step by step, the task will become less daunting. Here is some information to help you get started:
- Start a Dog Obedience Program: Learn how to set a basic foundation before training your dog.
- Train Your Dog Using Games: Training your dog should be fun! Incorporating games into your dog's training regimen can make learning easier and more enjoyable.
- Six Weeks to a Well-Trained Dog: With a schedule as a guide, you can teach your dog the basics in approximately six weeks.
- Positive Reinforcement: While there are various ways to train a dog, most dog professionals agree that positive reinforcement is the best technique for both the dog and trainer.
Watch Now: How to Train Your Dog with Positive Reinforcement
Tip: If you require assistance with dog training, consider hiring a dog trainer. Group classes and private lessons are available, and affordable dog training tips are available here.
House Training and Crate Training
Unless you plan to keep your dog outside, which is not recommended, you must teach your dog where to eliminate. Consequently, house training (also called housebreaking or potty training) should be one of the first things you work on with your dog. Crate training can also be an effective part of the training process. It includes house training as well as other areas of training:
Crate Training Dogs and Puppies: The basics of training your dog or puppy to accept and enjoy the crate are provided. It will help with housebreaking and provide your dog with a designated space.
How to House Train Your Dog: House training is not complicated, but it is not easy. Consistency and diligence are essential during the housebreaking process.
Submissive/Excitement Urination in Dogs: Your dog may be urinating out of excitement or to express submissive behavior if they are still having accidents. It may be more than a housebreaking issue.
Leash Training Dogs and Puppies
Every dog must learn to walk on a leash. It is not only required in most areas due to leash laws, but it is also necessary for your dog's safety. Learn how to introduce your dog or puppy to the leash and teach them to walk appropriately on the leash, even beside you on a bike. A loose leash walk will teach your dog not to pull or lunge when on the leash, making the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
How to Socialize Dogs and Puppies
Socialization is the process of training your puppy or adult dog to accept new people, animals, and places by exposing them to these things. Socialized dogs are less likely to develop behavior problems and are generally more welcomed by others. Socialization can also help prevent the development of fears and phobias.
The bottom line is that socialization will make your dog a happier, more well-behaved companion.
Clicker Training for Dogs
Clicker training is a simple and effective dog training method that uses positive reinforcement. Although it is still acceptable to train your dog without clicker training, many people find it helpful. With clicker training, you can easily and effectively teach your dog basic and advanced commands and tricks. It is fast and easy to learn how to clicker train your dog.
Basic Commands and Fun Tricks
There are some basic dog training commands and dog tricks that every dog should know, such as come, speak, drop it, stay, back up, share hands, etc. Basic commands give your dog structure and can help overcome common dog behavior problems, keeping your dog safe.
What's more fun than showing off your dog's cool tricks?! Dog tricks are a great way to take your dog training to the next level and give your dog some mental stimulation.
Proofing Behaviors and Troubleshooting
Proofing is the final step in training your dog to do any new behavior. Learn how to proof behaviors so your dog will be as obedient at the park or a friend's house as they are in your own living room.
Remember, just because you have completed training, behavior problems may still arise. Learn about the most common dog behavior problems and how to deal with them. These guides will help you navigate this part of the training process:
- Proofing Behaviors: Practice behaviors in various situations with different levels of distraction. Otherwise, your dog may behave well in your living room but forget all their training when they are outside.
- Teach Your Dog Self-Control: This method teaches your dog that they need to earn things like food and attention through obedience.
- Common Dog Behavior Problems: Understanding potential behavior issues can help you detect and address them before they become unmanageable.
- Dog Behavior Management Versus Dog Training: While dog behavior management and dog training are two different things, they are not mutually exclusive. Behavior management is an essential part of any dog training program.
Advanced Dog Training
Once your dog has mastered all the basics, you can consider moving on to more advanced tricks. These activities will help keep your dog active, fit, and mentally stimulated. Plus, they will help strengthen the bond you share with your canine companion.
Remember that training is an ongoing process. You will never be completely finished. It is essential to keep working on obedience training throughout your dog's life. Just as people who learn a language at a young age but stop speaking it may forget much of it as they grow older, the same goes for your dog. Running through even the most basic tricks and commands will help them stay fresh in your dog's mind. Plus, it is an excellent way to spend time with your dog.
FAQ
How do you train your dog to ignore other dogs?
While your dog should always be leashed when out, there are other ways to train them to be unbothered by other dogs while on walks. Keep a distance from other dogs while out and call your dog's name whenever they notice another dog, rewarding them with a treat. You can continue this process, gradually getting a little closer to dogs while encouraging your pup to ignore them and rewarding them with a treat.
How do you train your dog not to run away?
Many experts believe that chasing a dog that is running away will only encourage it to run further because the dog thinks this is a game. Start training your dog to stay with you by slowly walking away from it, then calling its name and rewarding it with a treat when it comes to you. You can even add to this training by spending time with friends, having them call your dog, and giving it a treat when it comes to them.
How do you train your dog not to jump on people?
Start by asking your dog to "sit" and asking people not to approach. If your dog is approached and obeys this command, offer it a treat. Reinforcement is key!